>view that as objectively better, when it's simply a difference.
It is objectively better though. There's a reason why, prior to the development of paddle-shifted dual-clutch transmission, manual was almost exclusively used in racing.
Hint: It's because it's faster and gives you superior control.
*almost exclusively used FOR racing, not saying people didn't commute with them as well
well it depends on the racing. if it lap after lap on a circuit its no use in auto, if its lots of start and stop and you absolutely definetly need all power you have to the wheels in an instant, its only auto. dragracing meh, but you get more consistent times with auto. remember a race prepped one is pretty far from your grandmas lincoln.
t. offroad race mechanic, no one use manual
it doesn't make you sleepy on the road
Manual is much better, it`s not even a contest, even the best automatic gear I've driven doesn`t come close to a 90s car with manual shift